WHO Combats Cerebrospinal Meningitis Outbreak in Yobe State, Nigeria

WHO Emergency Manager (Interim), Dr Kumshida Balami and her team met with the Yobe State Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana ©Kingsley Igwebuike/WHO

Yobe, 20 March 2024 - In the wake of a concerning Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) outbreak in Yobe State, Nigeria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly mobilized its technical expertise to aid local health authorities in containing the spread of the disease. 

Cerebrospinal Meningitis, potentially fatal illness characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, poses a significant public health threat, particularly in a state already dealing with the disease alongside a protracted humanitarian crisis.

WHO Mauritius launches health priorities for next two years

WR, Dr Ancia, and the Minister of Health, Dr Jagatpal, after signing the new Biennial Workplan 2024-2025

WHO Mauritius  launched its new Biennial Workplan 2024-2025 with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) on March 18, 2024. This results-focused document, which is the fruit of a close collaborative effort between WHO Mauritius and the MOHW, defines the priorities of the Organization for the next two years in terms of public health outcomes.

WHO South Africa Empowers Staff with Policy Advocacy and Media Training

Group photo of the WHO South Africa Country Office team, PATH team, and other UN agencies in preparation for the policy advocacy and media training.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in South Africa held a landmark series of training sessions aimed at bolstering the skills of its technical officers in policy advocacy and media engagement. These comprehensive training efforts were conducted from March 11th to 15th, 2024, at the Protea Hotel in Johannesburg, Balalaika Sandton, and were facilitated by PATH ,a globally recognized leader in health policy advocacy and Africa Minds a media consulting agency.

Namibia’s infection prevention and control strategies regarded as good practice for health emergencies

MOHSS and WHO staff at the IPC workshop

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of Infection Prevention Control (IPC) and viewed by many as a positive factor in strengthening IPC within countries. IPC measures have played a pivotal role in mitigating the spread of the virus, protecting public health, and alleviating strain on healthcare systems. These measures have served to safeguard not only healthcare workers but also the wider population, highlighting IPC's indispensable role in upholding healthcare safety standards.

WHO Representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh Honored in Farewell Meeting with His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of Gambia

Dr. Tiruneh (left) with the His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of Gambia

Banjul, The Gambia - In a poignant ceremony held at the State House in the country's capital, His Excellency President Adama Barrow bid farewell to Dr. Desta Tiruneh, the outgoing World Health Organization (WHO) representative in The Gambia. The event, attended with select WHO staff members, celebrated Dr. Tiruneh's transformative leadership during his tenure in the country.